Social Media Links

News Releases

KSP Troopers Involved in Fatal Shooting in Perry County

Date of News Release: 05/31/2014

(Hazard, KY) - On Friday May 30th, 2014 at approximately 10:46 PM a KSP Trooper responded to a domestic violence related welfare check at 47 Tranquility Lane in the Chavies Community of Perry County. Upon arrival at the residence, a Trooper made contact with the homeowner Larry Smith, age 61. Mr. Smith advised law enforcement to leave his property and made verbal threats toward law enforcement from inside his residence. The trooper on scene reported what he thought was rounds of ammunition being chambered into a weapon. He then sought cover. Additional personnel responded to the scene and shortly thereafter, while still Inside the residence, Mr. Smith set his home on fire before exiting the residence. Once outside, he brandished a firearm and began to lower it in the direction of law enforcement. Troopers gave verbal commands for the subject to drop his weapon which were ignored. As a result, Mr. Smith was fatally shot by KSP Troopers. The perpetrator was pronounced dead on scene by the Perry County Coroners Office and an autopsy will be performed at the state Medical examiners office in Frankfort later today. Lt. Ryan Catron of KSP Post 10 In Harlan, Lt. John Yates from KSP Post 11 in London and Lt Claude Little from Post 13 in Hazard are conducting an investigation into the officer involved shooting.

The Troopers involved in the shooting have all been placed on administrative leave which is standard Agency policy following any officer involved shooting.